Former Australian rugby professional, Wendell Sailor today confirmed his position to play in Australasia s only unique full Pro-Am event, the New Zealand Open. Sailor s exceptional 16 year career saw him achieve a multitude of milestones including representing Australia in Rugby League and Rugby Union. A keen golfer, Sailor is excited to be included in the 2014 Open field. I ve spent a bit of time in New Zealand. I love golf and I have had some great times in Queenstown, so the opportunity to play in front of the crowds at the New Zealand Open was really exciting Sailor said. Sailor will join a host of former rugby legends in the amateur field including World Cup winning Wallabies Captain Nick Farr-Jones, All Black greats Jeff Wilson and Justin Marshall, and cricketing legends; Ricky Ponting, Allan Border and Stephen Fleming. Ever the competitor, Sailor is looking to take on some of his mates and former rivals from across a number of sporting codes. I often play golf when I am in New Zealand, so I m excited to get out there and hit some balls said Sailor. Allan Border was a hero of mine growing up, so I am looking forward to giving him and giving [Ricky] Ponting a run for their money He said. The Open s growing list of sports celebrities follow in the footsteps of Hollywood actor Don Cheadle, England cricketing legend Sir Ian Botham and former World No.1 amateur Lydia Ko who have played in the same format of the NZ PGA Championship for the past two events. Hosted at The Hills and Millbrook golf courses from the 27th February 2nd March, the NZ Open will see amateurs play in a best-ball competition alongside the professional field in an event that follows the format of the famous AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland. Sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia, the NZ Open is one of the pre-eminent tournaments on the Australasian tour with the leading professionals from New Zealand, Australia and Asia. The professional field will compete for a purse of NZD$850,000. For more information visit: www.nzopen.co.nz
Author: NZ Open